What makes a good employee?

October 30, 2006 10:54 PM

A Good Employee is defined by 4 characteristics- I can remember 3 of them.

1. Show up
2. Pay attention
3.
4. Don't attach to outcomes

What is the 3rd item for this list.
Thanks in advance.

posted by ptm to Work & Money (11 answers total)

Best answer: tell the truth is most often cited in your, although there are others, and sometimes it's five things, e.g. "Speak your truth" and "Do your best" squeezed in there. Attributed widely in religion and life lessons. Frequently reordered and reworded.
posted by mdevore at 11:04 PM on October 30, 2006

in your list,

Perhaps it's suitable an answer has a gap, too.
posted by mdevore at 11:07 PM on October 30, 2006

I had a boss that had 3 rules.

1 - go go go
2 - don't steal
3 - don't lie

Very simplistic of course but somewhat enjoyable to hear from a boss when you're a motivated person.
posted by prodevel at 11:15 PM on October 30, 2006

#1 was probably #3
posted by prodevel at 11:15 PM on October 30, 2006

Don't attach -what- to outcomes?
posted by Rubber Soul at 11:26 PM on October 30, 2006

3. Shut up

I've heard #1 & 2 in a list with my #3. Never heard anything like your #4 though.

Also, this seems to be list of actions and not characteristics. At least not the way you've written them.
posted by Cog at 11:37 PM on October 30, 2006

Best answer: FOUND IT - #3 is tell the truth. Found some sources here: (1, 2, 3)
posted by ifranzen at 12:14 AM on October 31, 2006

And on a very late preview, what mdevore said.
posted by ifranzen at 12:15 AM on October 31, 2006

#3: always remember rule #3
posted by unSane at 3:52 AM on October 31, 2006

I think I would add "Do what needs to be done" to the end of your list. But that's just me. Frankly I think it's more important than "don't attach to outcomes," but mostly because I'm not sure what that means. Don't dwell on the past? Don't worry if things don't work out? Don't assume things will go as planned? It seems to me some "outcomes" are important. Stuff has to get done, ideally leaving happy clients (and profits!) at the end. That's an outcome worth "attaching" to. "That's not my job" doesn't help anybody.
posted by ilsa at 8:35 AM on October 31, 2006

I think:

1. Show up

2. Don't be a jerk

Will serve you well. Everything else seems to fall into place if you observe 1 & 2.
posted by Sheppagus at 9:31 AM on October 31, 2006